The French Intervention in Mali began in January 2013 when France launched Operation Serval to combat Islamist militants who had taken control of northern Mali. The intervention aimed to support the Malian government and restore stability in the region, which had been threatened by groups like al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Ansar Dine. French forces, alongside Malian troops and other international partners, successfully pushed back the militants and helped secure key cities. The operation transitioned to Operation Barkhane in 2014, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts across the Sahel region to prevent the resurgence of extremist groups.